AFCOS (Anti-Fraud Coordination Service) Directorate is part of Ministry of Interior. AFCOS’ activities are stipulated in the Ministry of Interior Act and its Implementing Rules.
AFCOS Directorate is a specialized structure engaged for the overall coordination in the fight against infringements affecting the European Union financial interests via operational cooperation, reporting irregularities and administrative control activities.
In accordance with Regulation (EC, Euratom ) № 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 September 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), AFCOS is designated national “The Anti-fraud Coordination Service to facilitate effective cooperation and exchange of information, including information of an operational nature, with OLAF.” AFCOS is the OLAF’s partner, in conformity with the national legislation as defined national contact point for OLAF. AFCOS cooperates with state institutions and coordinates all activities in the field of combating irregularities and fraud with EU funds.
In pursuance with Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities’ financial interests against fraud and other irregularities, AFCOS Directorate operatively cooperates with OLAF in carrying out administrative investigations and on-the-spot checks on the territory of Republic of Bulgaria.
AFCOS Directorate is a national contact point in accordance with Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) № 1302/2008 of the European Commission of 17 December 2008 on the Central Exclusion Database.
The Directorate is responsible at national level for reporting to the European Commission of irregularities and frauds with EU funds and provides methodological guidance onto the irregularities administering. AFCOS controls the National Authorities dealing with EU Funds, Programs and Financial Instruments, for their compliance with the procedures for administering irregularities.
Signals for irregularities affecting the EU financial interests are received and recorded in AFCOS. The Directorate evaluates analyses and checks the registered signals in order to identify irregularities and fraud with EU funds.
AFCOS Directorate assists the Council for coordination in the fight against infringements affecting the financial interests of the EU (The Council). The Council is an advisory body providing guidance, monitors and ensures the National Authorities’ activities coordination in order to prevent and combat offenses - fraud, abuse, mismanagement or the use of funds and property belonging to the EU or provided to the Bulgarian State from funds and programs of the EU, including the related national co-financing.
For contacts:
6 Sveta Nedelya sq.
1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Phone. (+359) 2 940 14 45
Fax (+359) 2 983 35 21
e-mail: afcosbg@mvr.bg